Session 1: Trade & Regional Flows

Macroeconomic Policy for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Twelfth Annual JRCPPF Conference | February 23-24, 2023

Conference program & slides: https://jrc.princeton.edu/annual-conf...

Session 1: Trade & Regional Flows
Leonard Wantchekon, James Madison Professor of Political Economy, Princeton University; Founder, African School of Economics (moderator)
Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems; former CEO, New Economic Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD)
Hippolyte Fofack, Chief Economist, Director of Research, Africa Export-Import Bank
Nina Pavcnik, Niehaus Family Professor in International Studies, Dartmouth College

As many have noted, Africa’s story will drive world history in the coming century. With 46 countries and close to 1.4 billion people, the continent is huge and diverse. It contains some of the world’s most fragile states and is home to some of humanity's most dynamic entrepreneurs. The continent’s population growth rate of 2.7% is more than double that of South Asia, and much of the population boom will happen in the sub-Saharan region. Meeting development goals for both present needs and future investment requires smart policy and coordinated action.

Held on February 23-24, 2023, the twelfth annual JRCPPF conference explored the macroeconomic policies sub-Saharan African countries should pursue to support development, growth, and long-term economic resilience. The conference brought together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to explore four areas that will be critical for catalyzing macroeconomic development: industrial policy, monetary and fiscal policies, macroprudential regulations, and regional integration.

The first day of the conference featured a workshop with young scholars and new research. The following two days featured talks by industry experts and policymakers highlighting innovative new policies in several countries in the region.

Co-sponsors:
Empirical Studies of Conflict Project (https://esoc.princeton.edu/)
Program in African Studies (https://afs.princeton.edu/)
Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (https://piirs.princeton.edu/)
Princeton School of Public & International Affairs
African School of Economics (https://africanschoolofeconomics.com/)
African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (https://www.nepad.org/)
Central Bank of West African States – West African Center for Banking Studies and Training(https://cofeb.bceao.int/)